CHAPTER XIII.
The Battle of Dundalk--The Danes supposed to be Christianized--Brian Boroimhe and his Brother Mahoun--The Dalcassians fight the Danes--Mahoun is assassinated--Brian revenges his Brother's Murder--Malachy's Exploits against the Danes--Malachy and Brian form a Treaty and fight the Danes--Malachy wins "the Collar of Gold"-- Brian's "Happy Family" at Kincora--He usurps the Supreme Power, and becomes Monarch of Ireland--Remote Causes of the Battle of Clontarf--Gormflaith is "grim" with Brian--Blockade of Dublin--The Danes prepare for a Fierce Conflict--Brian prepares also--The Battle of Clontarf--Disposition of the Forces--Brian's Death--Defeat of the Danes.
[A.D.

926-1022.] Many of the sea-coast towns were now in possession of the Danes.

They had founded Limerick, and, indeed, Wexford and Waterford almost owe them the debt of parentage.

Obviously, the ports were their grand securities--a ready refuge if driven by native valour to embark in their fleets; convenient head-quarters when marauding expeditions to England or Scotland were in preparation.

But the Danes never obtained the same power in Ireland as in the sister country.